Simple Joy

My prior post noted how each of our camping trips has its own unique experience. In some cases, however, there are many similarities; after all the environment helps inform and direct our choices and hence our experiences. Beyond the bites, bugs and bellow of this past camping trip there were small joys to be gained in simplicity of the experience. The ever increasing size (and number) of camper trailers and more and more ever present generator sound—we are a society of energy use—cannot inhibit all of the experience of camping. The noise of the generator may have some negative effect, but one can also find a “silver lining” in a less the changing camping experience, as I pointed out in a post last year.

Bull Falls, near Hwy 70

Yes, our experience was similar to last year in that we took a kayak, were camped in the same campground, although not on a lakefront site. Limited in hiking due to bugs and flooding, our experiences turned mainly to water. We kayaked on both Laura and Gordon lakes. Laura lake I hauled the kayak through a vacant site across from our site (but one that would become occupied on Friday). My wife even enjoyed kayaking Laura Lake, and found a loon diving for its lunch. Upon her return I found the same loon, but soon found it a fool’s errand to attempt to find a loon and predict where it once again will raise above the surface. Unlike last year, this year in the kayak excursion on the lake no eagles were seen while kayaking, although I think one flew over my head while swimming. Being a smaller lake, and with no development on its shore but for a boat landing and small swim beach, Gordon Lake has the opportunity to provide a great setting that can possess the ability to reduce blood pressure and stress. Upon leaving the small cove containing the boat landing much to my surprise I found the beach now deserted, even though a few minutes earlier two groups had just arrived as we left to get the kayak. The clear sky left but the reflection of the trees to reflect, and the sun while sufficiently low in the horizon to make it difficult to see was still too high to discern a glimmer off the calm glass smooth surface. But for two loons I found myself alone on the water. The sound of the kayak slipping though the calm water the only constant discernible noise. Yes, the loons and the birds would provide some interruption  to the soft sound of the glide, but it is not like I was hearing the common day sounds which accompany life in a campground, much less a generator.

Deer on the roadside

The water of Gordon Lake would also allow a sunset experience on two consecutive evenings. First, on Friday evening we went to the lake to watch the sunset, and stayed to see the light of the day move to twilight as the sun migrated ever lower in the horizon until it was below the line of evergreen trees on the opposite shore, and twilight was about to turn to darkness. The next evening, Saturday, after an evening thunderstorm quickly moved through the area we again went to the lake.  With twilight already underway we would catch a deep red line in the sky mimicking the following edge of the thunderstorm. What is it about a sunset or sunrise that seems to make the throes or stresses of life seem not as consequential as they had or will be the following morning?

Sunset over Gordon Lake

If one could sleep through bellowing of the bullfrog, you would be awakened, perhaps not so happily near dawn by the sounds of the loon and the singing of the birds.  Although those sounds are much more appreciated to my having awakened this morning by sirens, a noise seemingly becoming too familiar within the suburban landscape of McFarland.  What camping can do, even if it entails effort, is to relax the mind, body and soul.  You can find joy in simple things often unheralded in the busy connected world of today.  As I type this two instances of the need to respect, recognize, and reflect on the simple joys of life come to mind.  First, I recently came across an article on a person I once met, who is doing an independent study master's course in East Africa where he is living among adults and children in the Mathare slum. This slum, one of the largest in the world, he found children digging in the garbage to supply  much of the subsistence. Yet even with this high level of deprivation found, Dan Morgan, OSB provided the following quote on this experience:  "Perhaps one of the most striking differences I noticed about myself and about this experience was how joy, true joy, was in such abundance. Luxuries of the material world were scarce, but joy was abundant."  Second, was the death of a man I only had the opportunity to meet a few times.  He was "the darling man" of a woman I know well.  When I first heard of his unexpected death my first thought was about the fleeting, and yes fragile, nature of life. We never know what the next day will hold. 

Sunset following a thunderstorm

For me, camping allows me to better appreciate some of these simple joys, even with the noise of generators.  We do not need extravagant devices, or machines to find joy in life. Dan Morgan found true joy in an African slum.  It is found in a trusted partner, just as my female friend found, although she will longer feel his touch, but through memory and recollection. It can also be found in other respects.  It can be found kayaking on, but for me, a deserted northern Wisconsin lake as the water craft effortlessly glides through the sheen surface of the water. It can be found listening to a loon in the minutes before sunrise.  It can also be found on the shores of Gordon lake, as my trusted partner and I watched the sun go below the horizon and turn day into dark.  

Lon taking flight on Gordon Lake